Yesenia Rodriguez
Human Rights Studies Class of 2025
What was your major/minor? Why did you choose it?
I was a Psychology major with a minor in Human Rights. I chose psychology because it was a subject that interested me and I felt would benefit me in my career in law. I took Human Rights in Latin America as a “filler” course. I ended up falling in love with the subject as it fueled my passion for advocating for the public. It aligned directly with my law career aspirations.
What was your first job after graduation?
Internship at a nonprofit.
What are you up to now?
I am a graduate student that just completed my first year of law school.
How did your experience at UC Davis prepare you for the next step in your academic and professional journey?
It really helped add fuel to my passion for advocating for the everyday person and fight to give a voice to one’s who have been silenced.
What's your advice for someone considering your minor?
Take one class niche class, the general human rights class is too broad to really find out if it interests you. There are several courses that fall under the human rights minor so pick one that interests you the most.
What was your favorite part of your undergraduate program here?
The connections I made with my professors!
What are you most proud of from your undergrad experience?
That I completed being a full-time student at UCD, a university I am proud to say I was a part of, all while being a student parent to three children.
Do you have a professor or a class you want to shout out?
Professor Charles Walker and Professor Adam Zientek. Both truly care for their students and offer an immense wealth of knowledge.
What were you involved in outside of class (clubs, internships, etc.)?
Davis Pre Law Society.